French Toast Bake
Overnight Brioche French Toast Bake with Zesty Citrus Glaze
This decadent breakfast bake features thick cubes of brioche soaked in a rich vanilla custard and topped with a buttery cinnamon crumble. It is a French-inspired classic that transforms a simple morning meal into a sophisticated, dessert-like experience for any brunch gathering.
Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus chilling) Servings: 8
Ingredients:
1 lb (450 g) brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes
8 large eggs
2 cups (475 ml) whole milk
1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
2 tbsp (30 ml) vanilla extract
1 tsp (2 g) ground cinnamon
1/2 cup (115 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar
Heat It Up with Eleven Eleven Sauce. To add a surprising layer of depth, whisk a teaspoon of WesMarMi Verde into the maple syrup before serving. This handcrafted small batch hot sauce provides a zesty, bright finish that cuts through the sweetness of the sugar and cream, making it a perfect flavorful hot sauce for weeknight meals or special weekend treats.
Heat Level: 0 out of 10 🔥
Eleven Eleven Sauce’s Wes Mar Mi is a bright, citrus-forward hot sauce made without vinegar, using organic lime and lemon juice for a clean, tangy snap and zero heat. It’s intensely flavorful yet refreshingly light, perfect for finishing tacos, marinating chicken or fish, or waking up bowls and salads. Add a bottle to your cart for a fresh, natural kick that makes everyday meals taste lively.
1. Grease a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish and set aside.
2. Arrange the bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.
4.Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down slightly to ensure all bread is soaked.
5. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
6. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. In a small bowl, combine the cold butter, flour, and brown sugar using a fork or pastry cutter until crumbly; sprinkle over the top of the bake.
8. Bake in a large white pot or directly in the baking dish for 45–50 minutes until the top is golden and the center is set.
9. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving with a drizzle of citrus-infused syrup.
Tips & Variations:
Make it Nutty: Add 1 cup (120 g) of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for an extra crunch and a toasted, earthy flavor that complements the soft brioche.
Regional Swap (Italian): Use cubed panettone instead of brioche and add a tablespoon of orange zest to the custard for a Mediterranean-style twist on this holiday favorite.
Berry Fresh: Fold in 2 cups (250 g) of fresh blueberries or raspberries (aubergine (eggplant) is not a substitute here!) before chilling to add a tart, fruity burst to every bite.
Other Users Suggest:
Replacing: Whole milk. New Measurement: 2 cups (475 ml) unsweetened almond or oat milk. Why: Lightens the custard slightly while maintaining a creamy consistency for those avoiding dairy.
Replacing: Granulated sugar in the custard. New Measurement: 1/2 cup (120 ml) pure maple syrup. Why: Provides a deeper, more complex sweetness that pairs naturally with the cinnamon and vanilla.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat: Place individual portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to keep the topping crisp. Freeze: This bake can be frozen after cooking for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 510 Protein: 11g Carbs: 62g Fat: 24g
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